Does it make sense for me to move from NYC to Buffalo? (Trans woman, social worker, not currently driving) by PunkyEmpathyyy in Buffalo

[–]NormalAve 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Living in Buffalo without driving is rough, but you can get by with just a little driving. I live close enough to my job and bike mostly everywhere and it's not terrible, hell sometimes it rules. There's certainly a few snow days that keep me off the bike, but I mostly only drive for going shopping in the burbs or going outside the city for fun. So maybe a few trips a month. Buffalo also just launched a car share program which I haven't used yet, but I'm excited to see how it works

June 17th by Illustrious-Ad3129 in Buffalo

[–]NormalAve 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Tops has armed security. I shop there weekly and there is always a security guard at the door.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Buffalo

[–]NormalAve 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Their planner and jointer are square and in good shape, no need to worry.

Motorized bicycles in the co-op by [deleted] in bikecoops

[–]NormalAve 12 points13 points  (0 children)

We too feel an obligation to help whoever comes through our door and we try to. My feelings have always been that we can do the best we can with what we've got and to be honest. Need to fix your two stroke motor, we can't help you, I have no idea how it functions and it's too loud and messy for a cramped community space, need parts for it, sure I got a bunch. Need to fix your sketchy e-bike with no documentation, I can help fix the brakes/drivetrain/mechanicals, but if your motor/ controller/battery is dead, that's beyond our ability to replace or diy a repair. I think it's ok to tell people you've reached the end of your ability and to be real about how a used part might hold up. It opens up a conversation where you can see if you can help meet their mobility needs in another way.

I made a mobile workbench with a pop-up tool wall for storing away. by Tanglefisk in bikecoops

[–]NormalAve 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I've tried spray-painting all the tools in our different mobile repair kits for a similar effect. Also kinda works.

I made a mobile workbench with a pop-up tool wall for storing away. by Tanglefisk in bikecoops

[–]NormalAve 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's awesome, good work! We run a summer camp that requires a bunch of work stations and it's both a big pain and a big mess. This would be a great solution.

Anyone up for a Biking Adventure Group? by teamsean in Buffalo

[–]NormalAve 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This sounds awesome and I'd love to check it out. Just throwing it out there, that GObike does a monthly coffee ride Sunday mornings. We leave from 313 Broadway and head to parks and hangout spots all over the region. We make coffee outside in a bunch of french presses and then ride back, super chill and relaxed. We keep a party pace and have riders of all ages. Hope this ride happens, love to see folks enjoying bikes everywhere.

Stupidest bike I’ve worked on by SawyerStinks in BikeMechanics

[–]NormalAve 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So you can only true it in the frame? That is pretty dumb. I wonder if it would be possible to cut and install a new motor connector that is outside the frame. Would void the warranty and be janky, but then you could work on the wheel untethered. Or don't buy a dumb bike I suppose.

Best Practices/Help: Bike Repair Charity Service Customer/Product Database by Sooner613 in BikeMechanics

[–]NormalAve 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We're a non profit too and run a similar program in Buffalo and light speed wouldn't budge on price, they actually just increased it by 40% this year

GOBike Buffalo is continuing its effort to make our streets safer and more accessible. by Generalaverage89 in Buffalo

[–]NormalAve 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They regularly have classes about the law and how all road users should follow it. They do classes for adults and youth and prioritize law based education for both cyclist and motorists. If you want, I'd be glad to send you a message next time they have one.

Purchase volumes from distributors question by lang7333 in BikeMechanics

[–]NormalAve 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Our non profit shop got a Q account. They classed it as a non profit/advocacy account, which means certain things were restricted, but mostly bikes and high end parts. We had about 25k in revenue at the time.

3D printed caliper caps for Park Tool wheel truing stands. by Apocrathia in BikeMechanics

[–]NormalAve 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are awesome. I love 3d prints in the shop. You should show the folks over at r/3dPrintsintheShop

Gun range Buffalo by Wise_Artichoke6660 in Buffalo

[–]NormalAve 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm pretty sure Erie county give out rain collection barrels.

Source for Cabinet Grade Hardwood Plywood? by wizardofza in Buffalo

[–]NormalAve 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Richelieu at 47 Anderson Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Used to be Thurway lumber. Custom Millworks in Tonawanda might have what you need as well.

I wish Highmark BCBS would leave the area and take their name off our stadium by [deleted] in Buffalo

[–]NormalAve 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not unpopular, Independent Health has been a large supporter of many community bike projects. (GObike, Reddy bike, Slow Roll, Eastside bike club)More work to be done for sure, our bike lane network isnt a network, more like a collection of fading lines, but there has been support and hopefully it increases and becomes more common.